Scintillation response of nuclear particle detectors

We derive simple algebraic expressions for the ion-induced light output response of most of the popular scintillation detectors used in nuclear and particle physics. The analytical calculation is based on a model for the energy deposition by secondary electrons scattered along the track of the ion, and the subsequent energy transport to luminescence centers. Predictions are compared with published experimental data for various scintillating materials over a wide range of incident ions and energies.